Johnson & Johnson Puts Profits Ahead of Consumer Health

Johnson & Johnson (J&J) potential talcum powder lawsuit cases and settlement claims are currently being investigated by our team of attorneys.

J&J talcum powder includes Johnson’s Baby Powder & J&J Shower to Shower powder.

Despite maintaining all along that the company’s talcum powder products were safe to use, Johnson & Johnson issued a recall of the company’s baby powder after the Food & Drug Administration detected a type of asbestos in a product sample in October 2019. Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, is a known carcinogen.

Johnson & Johnson Knew of the Dangers

Johnson & Johnson (J&J) is a multinational corporation that has been selling talcum powder products for over 100 years. The company's talcum powder products, including its iconic Baby Powder, have been marketed for use on babies, children, and adults to prevent skin irritation and absorb moisture.

However, J&J's talcum powder products have also been the subject of numerous lawsuits and controversies over the years. Here is a brief history of J&J's talcum powder-related issues:

·        In the 1970s, J&J executives received reports from independent researchers about the potential link between talcum powder use in the genital area and ovarian cancer. However, the company did not issue any warnings to consumers or conduct any internal studies on the issue.

·        In 1999, a jury awarded $10 million in damages to a woman who claimed that her use of J&J's talcum powder products caused her ovarian cancer. This was the first talcum powder lawsuit against J&J.

·        In 2006, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified talc as possibly carcinogenic to humans when used in the genital area.

·        In 2013, a jury awarded $72 million in damages to the family of a woman who died from ovarian cancer after using J&J's talcum powder products for decades.

·        In 2018, a Reuters investigation revealed that J&J knew for decades about the potential link between talcum powder use and cancer but failed to disclose this information to consumers or regulators.

·        Currently, J&J faces over 34,000 lawsuits related to its talcum powder products. In some cases, juries have awarded multi-million-dollar verdicts to plaintiffs who claim that J&J's talcum powder products caused their cancer.

J&J has consistently denied any wrongdoing and continues to defend the safety of its talcum powder products. However, the company has also faced criticism for its handling of the issue and for failing to warn consumers about the potential risks associated with its talcum powder products.

What is the Problem?

Studies have shown that talcum powder products can contain asbestos or other harmful substances that can cause health problems when inhaled or applied to the skin. Inhalation of talcum powder can lead to mesothelioma, a rare but aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and other organs. Women who have used talcum powder products on their genital area may be at an increased risk for developing ovarian cancer. The American Cancer Society states that it is unclear how talcum powder may cause cancer, but it is thought that talc particles may travel through the vagina, uterus, and fallopian tubes to the ovaries, where they can cause inflammation and lead to the development of cancer cells.

Individuals who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer or mesothelioma after using talcum powder products may be eligible to file a lawsuit and recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In some cases, families of individuals who have died as a result of talcum powder use may also be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. It is important to note that each case is unique, and the compensation awarded will depend on the specific circumstances of the case.

Talcum powder lawsuits are an important way for individuals to seek justice and hold talcum powder companies accountable for the harm caused by their products. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer or mesothelioma after using talcum powder products, it is important to speak with an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and fight for your rights. By taking action, you can help raise awareness about the potential health risks associated with talcum powder use and ensure that companies are held responsible for their actions.

Does the FDA Regulate Talcum Powder use?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been monitoring the safety of talcum powder products for many years. In the 1970s, concerns were raised about the potential link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer, and the FDA began to investigate the issue.

In 1982, the FDA issued a report stating that there was not enough evidence to support the link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer. However, the report also stated that the available evidence was limited and that more research was needed.

Since then, the FDA has continued to monitor the safety of talcum powder products and has taken various actions to address concerns about their safety. In 2009, the FDA tested a variety of talcum powder products and found no asbestos contamination in any of the samples tested.

In 2018, the FDA held a public meeting to discuss the safety of talcum powder products and to gather input from stakeholders. The meeting focused on the potential risk of asbestos contamination in talcum powder products and how to improve testing and regulation of these products.

In recent years, the FDA has also taken action against specific talcum powder products that have been found to be contaminated with asbestos.

In March 2020, the FDA requested that Johnson & Johnson recall certain lots of their talcum powder products due to the presence of asbestos.

Overall, while the FDA has not banned talcum powder products, it continues to monitor their safety and take action when necessary to protect consumers. The agency recommends that consumers use talcum powder products as directed and avoid inhaling talcum powder.

Additionally, the FDA encourages manufacturers to test their talcum powder products for asbestos contamination and to provide clear warnings about the potential risks associated with their use.